ADAS CALIBRATION

ADAS systems require recalibration after certain vehicle maintenance and repairs are carried out, in order to ensure they can continue to work effectively and keep you safe, listed are a few reasons ADAS may need recalibrations:

  • Wheel alignment
  • Windscreen replacement
  • Bumper replacement or removal/refitting
  • Door mirror damage or replacements
  • Suspension repair or replacement
  • Accident damage

All ADAS recalibrations are carried out by qualified technicians on the IMI Tech Safe register (there will be no inhouse training here!)

ADAS Calibration

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS for short, is the collective name for a growing range of vehicle features that help boost car and driver safety. ADAS checks things such as braking, speed, and steering tasks, park assist functions and lane departure warnings before either automatically taking action or sending an alert to the driver.

Types of ADAS calibrations

Static ADAS Calibration

Static ADAS Calibration involves adjusting the various ADAS cameras and sensors whilst the vehicle is stationary. It must be performed in a controlled level indoor environment using our state-of-the-art specialist equipment.

Dynamic ADAS Calibration

Dynamic ADAS Calibration involves adjusting the sensors and cameras whilst the vehicle is in motion, i.e. during a road test.

What is ADAS?

If you’re still confused about what ADAS actually means, let’s go over the basics. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) combine a multitude of individual sensors and software systems, partnered with steering, suspension, braking, and powertrain systems, to create a safety blanket around your vehicle.

ADAS-equipped vehicles have long- and short-ranging detection systems by use of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) as well as cameras. This means any object, moving or stationary, can be ‘seen’ by the vehicle as it travels along the road.

Specialist software designed for vehicles enables all these detection systems to be used seamlessly, giving the driver assistance features that identify hazards on their journey – either by warning the driver, or by taking automatic action to prevent an incident.

What are the different ADAS systems?

ADAS covers a wide range of driver assistance systems. Each type of ADAS may have a slightly different name depending on the manufacturer, but some of the key types include:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic/Autonomous Emergency Braking
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Detection
  • Road Sign Detection
  • Park assist
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Active driving assistance
  • Navigation systems
  • Automatic parking
  • Driver drowsiness detection
  • Collision avoidance systems
  • Night vision
  • Lane keep assist
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Antilock brake systems

Why vehicle manufacturers Use ADAS?

Over the years, vehicles have been designed to be increasingly safe in the event of an accident. Passive safety features have been added, from seatbelts and airbags able to protect passengers in the case of an accident, as well as active safety systems such as ABS and stability control, helping to avoid incidents if the driver is alert.

Unfortunately, accidents do still occur – and in most of these situations human error is to blame. In fact, research indicates that driver error is the main cause of road collisions in the UK, accounting for an average of 67% of accidents annually.

This is where ADAS can play a crucial role. Not only can this offer convenience and added comfort for the driver, but it can also assist in certain situations to reduce fatigue and lower the risk of accidents. It is important, however, to remember that these systems are in place to assist the driver, not to take control. It is vital that you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.

What happens if ADAS is not calibrated?

Without correct calibration, your ADAS systems are liable to malfunction or provide inaccurate warnings, which could compromise the safety of you and your passengers. Certain features like Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Auto Emergency Braking may still work but NOT work as intended in the absence of proper ADAS calibration, potentially INCREASING the risk of accidents. 

What’s more, if your ADAS system fails to meet manufacturer standards, your insurance or warranty may be impacted too.

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